” Hospital.” I ramped up a wheeze. They put me in the police car, sirens blaring, the asthma no longer feigned. I struggled to breathe. I had no breath to talk. The doctors and nurses rushed. Oxygen. Intravenous cannula. Nebulised ventolin.
“Nurse give her 100mg aminophylline IV stat.” The doctor ordered. She came with a large syringe of the drug and inserted it to the intravenous line, swiftly injecting it.
My breathing stopped. I could see the light. As I approached it I watched them scrambling below
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Absolutely, stay away from the light as long as possible. I’ve always wondered as I believe the light at the end of the tunnel to be positive and yet we say to stay away. Glad the tension built.
It is interesting isn’t it. If “Heaven” is so good, why aren’t we all “dying” to get there, instead of just heading in that direction (hopefully) when we die?
This is what happens when people approach death. have read real-life accounts of ‘back from the dead’. Your story reminded me of those 🙂
Nice to avoid that light till it’s time!!!
I understand wanting to get out of a fine, but I think I’d pull up short of swapping ‘flashing police lights’ for ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’ 🙂
I think you’ve done a good job of very quickly building the this tension in this scene. Nice work.
KT
Not quite time to walk into the light yet…this is a subject that fascinates me. Great flash for the photo Irene, packed with tension and loved how it resolved at the end 🙂
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Great story, Irene. Good build up of tension. So pleased “you” managed to stay away from the light this time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, stay away from the light as long as possible. I’ve always wondered as I believe the light at the end of the tunnel to be positive and yet we say to stay away. Glad the tension built.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is interesting isn’t it. If “Heaven” is so good, why aren’t we all “dying” to get there, instead of just heading in that direction (hopefully) when we die?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A question that is good to ponder but impossible to answer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the truth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is what happens when people approach death. have read real-life accounts of ‘back from the dead’. Your story reminded me of those 🙂
Nice to avoid that light till it’s time!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most definitely stay away from the light while you can. Yes I’ve read similar which probably gave me the idea.
LikeLike
Graphic description of an asthmatic attack. Never cry wolf… Good one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No good ever comes from crying wolf. Thanks Sandra. Glad you thought it was graphic.
LikeLike
I have heard about that light.. like the entrance of Plato’s cave where we all are trapped.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL – it is just an illusion that keeps you chained in place.
LikeLike
I understand wanting to get out of a fine, but I think I’d pull up short of swapping ‘flashing police lights’ for ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’ 🙂
I think you’ve done a good job of very quickly building the this tension in this scene. Nice work.
KT
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks KT. I’d agree – avoid both the light and police cars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Irene,
That’s certainly a ruse that backfired. I warrant she’ll think twice about pulling that one again. Nicely done. Very nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Rochelle. Most definitely I think she’ll think twice about lights of any description whether flashing or not.
Cheers Irene
LikeLike
It wasn’t time for the light yet, Irene. Still a long time left for her I think. 🙂 Loved the buildup!
My #FF
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear it built up for you and all being well the flashing lights and that one stationary light will be avoided for a long time to come.
LikeLike
An economic use of words but a gripping, suspenseful story. I learned a lot just by reading this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In 100 words there is no choice but to be economical. Glad you still learnt something – hopefully you learnt to Stay Away From the Light. LOL 🙂
LikeLike
I loved the heroics of this. My gal needed this nurse I think.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your gal certainly needed someone. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent thriller, Irene!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it Paula
LikeLike
Well that was exciting, left me breathless as well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Watch that breathlessness it can be dangerous.
LikeLike
Great story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you liked it Raewyn.
LikeLike
Nothing worse than when a lie becomes reality!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it doesn’t pay to lie. She almost paid the ultimate because of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job in making this an enjoyable read and I like the twist in the story. Very nice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad the MC stays away from the light. Great building of tension, right from the start.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Glad you felt the tension in it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not quite time to walk into the light yet…this is a subject that fascinates me. Great flash for the photo Irene, packed with tension and loved how it resolved at the end 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it Sherri. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person